Amtrak has formally begun the process of fully re-equipping its Long Distance Network which included 14 overnight routes including Auto Train, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder and Southwest Chief.

Amtraks overnight trains provide an essential facility with routes covering America from coast to coast.

Amtrak Board Chair, Tony Coscia said: “Purchasing new long-distance train cars will allow Amtrak to upgrade and modernize the iconic and vital overnight services that link our nation’s major regions. We are looking for new trains that improve safety, reliability, accessibility, and efficiency while offering the features our customers believe are most important to modernizing overnight train travel for the 21st century,”

A request for information was sent to a number of possible suppliers during December 2022 and saw the vast undertaking defined and described regarding the extent of Amtrak’s overnight train fleet which includes Superliner I and II, Viewliner I and II as well as Amfleet II railcars and input has been requested by the manufacturers relating to the replacement of such equipment. Amtrak is currently in a research stage regarding design elements alongside facilities for customers which will transform overnight and cross-country train travel in the future.

During 2023, Amtrak will move to the next stage which will see the issue of a formal procurement request. The future funding will be provided to Amtrak via the federal Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act which has been approved by Congress and the Biden Administration in 2021.

Continuing, Tony Coscia also said: “This represents the final phase in our long-term plan to replace our trains—beginning with new Acela equipment and continuing with the Amtrak AiroTM trains announced last month,”

“We believe in the future of our Long Distance service and we look forward to enhancing the customer experience across the Amtrak network, and further supporting U.S. manufacturing.”

The current overnight railcars have been working for up to 40 years with some of the first beginning their service back in 1979. The majority of equipment utilised in the existing fleet will reach its end of useful life after the next decade.

During 2022, Amtrack placed an order for 125 brand new diesel-electric locomotives which will mostly see operation on Long Distance routes. The past two years have also seen Amtrack invest $580 million as part of a huge $1.75 billion project to provide accessibility improvement for Amtrack stations which are mainly on the overnight and cross-country routes. Further to this, Amtrak has committed $28 million to make over the railcars in its current overnight fleet, which will bridge the gap until the future fleet can take over.

Senator for Kansas, Jerry Moran said: “Long-distance passenger rail is important to Kansans, and I have been working to secure a commitment from Amtrak to preserve these routes. This announcement demonstrates Amtrak’s dedication to routes like the Southwest Chief, which provide valuable service to Kansas and the nation. I look forward to continue working with Amtrak on further investments in long-distance passenger rail service,”

Senator for Montana, Jon Tester said: “The Empire Builder is an asset to small business owners and working folks along the Hi-Line who rely on daily service to sustain their businesses and support their families. I am proud to have worked with Amtrak to restore full Empire Builder service and I will keep fighting to make sure that passengers from rural America have access to the reliable and quality service they deserve. These long-distance upgrades are a step in the right direction,”

Representative from Nebraska, Don Bacon said: “Amtrak’s progress in replacing its overnight trains with funds provided in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is welcome news for America’s heartland. This investment in modern equipment will bring comfortable, more efficient, and more reliable rail service to Nebraska, and all other states where Amtrak operates long-distance trains such as the California Zephyr,”

Representative from Tennessee and senior member of the Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure, Steve Cohen said: “I am proud that my vote for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is helping to transform long-distance passenger rail service and modernize Amtrak. This funding will support the iconic City of New Orleans route that passes through Memphis on its way south from Chicago. I look forward to working with Amtrak as it makes these major improvements in passenger rail service,” said Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.